Azpilicueta to sign new £150,000-a-week contract as Chelsea reward 'leader'

The Blues have tied down their vice-captain to a long-term deal as they bid to renew a host of star players in the coming months

Cesar Azpilicueta has earned a pay increase at Chelsea after being rewarded with a new contract due to his status as a leader at Stamford Bridge, Goal understands.

The 29-year-old is set to sign on until at least 2022 and will earn £150,000-a-week, increasing his salary from its current £120,000-a-week, with Chelsea hoping the Spain international’s renewal is just the latest of many.

Azpilicueta has made 298 appearances for Chelsea since joining the club for a reported £7 million from Marseille in 2012. He has also scored eight goals and provided 36 assists after establishing himself as one of the team’s most consistent and reliable performers.

Chelsea will also see Olivier Giroud's contract expiring but they have the option to extend it for another year. Back-up goalkeepers Willy Caballero and Rob Green will see their deals expire in the summer.

Marcin Bulka is a youth goalkeeper at Chelsea, who the club are keen to see stay on, but his future remains in doubt.